∞
Oh no. There is a six in the first digit of my alarm clock. I have overslept. I slowly get up, smooth my hair out of my face, find my glasses, my pants, and (on school days) the laptop and Coach binder.
As I close in on the mid-century mark of my life, the more I appreciate the quiet pre-dawn hours before one of my children — as well as the rest of the world — wakes up. Once the rest of the world is awake, the real work begins.
Some people go for a run. Some catch up on reading or their Facebook feed. I like to listen.
Northern Cardinal, male (female is the top photo)
Black-bellied Whistling Duck
Bullfrog
These mornings are my meditation time. These sounds are my music, my radio. I tune the dial into Nature and listen to what She has to say, every morning when I can. I do my stretches, push-ups, sit-ups, practice my Kata to the rhythm of frogs and birds, either indoors with the windows open or outside by the creek.
Coffee is next, because — even with that calming ‘me’ time — no one can stand me until I’ve had a cup’o Java. Once rejuvenated, I am ready to absorb and manage the tidings of my species, my offspring in particular, which both challenge and delight me daily to no end.
♥
What’s your favorite way to start your day?
DirtNKids Blog 
This was so wonderful! The photos and the recording! Thank you so much for sharing! 🙂
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Glad you enjoyed, Radhika. There’s more where that came from; come by any time. All are welcome here! 😀
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Will definitely stop by! Thanks! 😀
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I can relate to it. Due to the powerful street lamps in Kolkata, India, the birds hardly sleeps. There is this single Oriental Magpie Robin that starts calling at a time as early as 2 in the morning. Somehow I manage to sleep, the calls are sharp shrills. But at 5am, the bulbuls and sparrows along with mynahs begin their concert. And I wake up, make myself a hot cuppa, and listen to them while they dance in front my window. 🙂 It feels really good. As if they are saying, “the day’s gonna be perfect.”
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Ahhh…bulbuls and mynahs. I miss the mynahs of southeast Asia! We should always enjoy whatever we have, shouldn’t we? Cheers, Agnij, and thanks for coming by. I think agree with your birdies: the day’s gonna be perfect.
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I love your phrase “manage the tidings of my species” and your upbeat post and gorgeous photos, Shannon. 🙂
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Thank you again, Jet. Your lovely comments make it easy for me to stay upbeat. The world chips away at my rainbow some days.
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Sleeping in past 9 and having my wee girl wake me up with a homemade smoothie…this rarely happens, but it is wonderful when it does!!
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Sounds like a divine way to start a day!
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Shannon that was so beautiful. I see what you mean about our music being dwarfed by their songs. Is the crimson lovely a red cardinal?
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Yes. The Northern Cardinal (the female is the featured image) is bright red and loves to sing his song with his whole self. Oh, to be serenaded like that! We are watching the couple build a nest just outside a window. Better than watching TV. Cheers, Christy!
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Wonderful, ideal neighbours 🙂
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Sleeping in until a husband brings a baby in, who is quiet until she sees me and then squeals and lunges from his high arms into mine, gravity be damned.
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When my children were young, that is really ALL I looked forward to on the weekends! I was nursing babies for what seemed like a solid 5 years (only short breaks).
Nothing like having a squealing (with delight) toddler dropped onto your awaiting chest and arms in the morning. Those days are too short, A. I’m glad you are embracing them!
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The first six months were more difficult than anything I could have imagined (or can clearly remember.) Apparently she was a difficult baby, according to people who know babies. The last six months have been so much fun! Hopefully it lasts awhile longer before toddler tantrums start up…
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